This very simple and reliable breathing valve allowed divers to breathe the emergency air carried in the small ABLJ bottles fitted to the Fenzy and later the Buddy jackets. Whilst it seems impossible to imagine now because almost every diver carries an alternative air source, ie an Octopus, this wasn’t always the case.

When the AP Valve was invented alternative air sources were just a pipe dream, hence this valve was much valued because it was an effective way of getting air to breathe in those first critical moments of an “out of air situation”.

In 1972 David created the first Buddy buoyancy jacket and it was one of the first manufactured with a direct feed low pressure inflator. Two years later in 1974 David again was an innovator producing polyurethane HF welded buoyancy jackets – the only sensible production technique that is used today for all BCs and Counterlungs.

He also invented the self-sealing surface marker buoy and was running the company when the Buddy Pacific, Arctic, Sea King, and Commando jackets were developed and first sold.

David Parker was a founding member of the North Warwicks Sub Aqua Club and was BSAC Instructor No.177.

In 2007, he was awarded a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award by Diver Magazine for his lasting contribution to the diving industry. As of today’s date, the only lifetime achievement award they have made.

He leaves behind an incredible legacy in the shape of AP Valves and Ambient Pressure Diving.